The founder of Business Insider Georgia and co-host of a program on TV Imedi, Giorgi Abashishvili, has been employed at the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development.
He will assist Mariam Kvrivishvili’s team in “developing the ministry-related strategic communication framework.
”The Ministry of Economy confirmed the information to BMG, but left BMG’s questions unanswered regarding:
- When Giorgi Abashishvili was appointed as a consultant to the Ministry of Economy and why this was deemed necessary;
- What Giorgi Abashishvili’s salary is;
- Whether the recent amendments to the Law on Public Service apply to Giorgi Abashishvili.
According to the ministry’s written explanation, Giorgi Abashishvili is not a staff member nor employed under a labor contract. It appears the ministry will be purchasing his services periodically.
“We inform you that, based on emerging needs, the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia deemed it appropriate to procure the services of a relevant specialist for the development of a strategic communication framework related to the ministry, strengthening analytical directions, and promoting and improving thematic strategic management with the private sector, academia, and business circles. The specialist would be actively engaged in strategic communication matters.Accordingly, a service contract was signed with Giorgi Abashishvili, taking into account his knowledge and relevant experience in the field,” — states the written response prepared by Mariam Kvrivishvili’s agency, which BMG obtained through a public information request.
According to the state procurement electronic system, the Ministry of Economy has so far signed one contract with the individual Giorgi Abashishvili. The service involves consulting related to business and management.The contract value is 833 lari and 33 tetri, and the service period is 11 November – 31 December.According to the State Procurement Agency, various state organizations have signed multiple contracts (excluding simplified procurements) with “Media Group Insider – Georgia”, founded by Giorgi Abashishvili.
Their total value reaches several thousand lari.For example, among the contracts signed in 2025 are:
- United Airports of Georgia — 14,400 lari
- Sakaeronavigatsia — 9,960 lari
- Resorts Development Agency — 4,994 lari
- Chughureti District Administration — 3,675 lari
- Spatial and Urban Development Agency — 9,934 lari
- Professional Skills Agency — 4,920 lari
- Railway Transport Agency — 4,992 lari
- Enterprise Georgia — 16,500 lari
- Adjara Water Alliance — 4,400 lari
